Country Endorses Updated Strategy to Accelerate Action on Tobacco Control
Jamaica Supports New Efforts to Meet Tobacco Control Targets in the Region
Jamaica has endorsed an updated strategy to accelerate action to meet targets of Tobacco Control in the Region of the Americas, while championing the need for a robust public education campaign to support implementation efforts.
Minister of Health & Wellness Confirms Commitment to Tobacco Control
“Jamaica wishes to reconfirm our unwavering commitment to achieving these targets and thanks PAHO for their continued leadership and technical support in advancing tobacco control in Jamaica,” noted Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, addressing the 61st Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) Directing Council in Washington DC where the updated strategy was presented today.
Jamaica Delegation Leads Efforts
The Minister is leading the Jamaica delegation, including Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, CD, to the meeting.
Concerns and Challenges in Tobacco Control
“We are concerned about the slow progress of member states in making environments completely smoke-free, which requires further assessment to close this gap. Of significant concern to Jamaica is the use of e-cigarettes and vaping among children, adolescents, and young adults, along with the general use of cannabis and the proliferation of hookah bars. The regulation of e-cigarettes is a significant step that will address this concern,” Dr. Tufton noted.
Public Education Campaign Crucial
At the same time, he said it will be necessary to have an accompanying public education campaign, “especially to debunk the myths around e-cigarettes and the use of hookahs, that they are safe alternatives to smoking and not harmful to health”.
Integration with NCD Response
“We should also ensure that the Tobacco Control response is integrated into the NCD response,” the Minister said.
Jamaica’s Tobacco Control Efforts
Dr. Tufton also explained that in the case of Jamaica, the existing Tobacco Control Regulations of 2013 reflects protection from exposure to tobacco smoke; regulation of tobacco product disclosures; and packaging and labelling of tobacco products.
Jamaica is also promulgating a new legislation which will include the regulation of the interactions of Government officials with the tobacco industry; testing and measurement of the contents and emissions of tobacco products; promotion of communication and public awareness of tobacco control issues and the health risks of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.
Also covered, the Minister said, is “full and mandatory prohibition on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, including a ban on point-of-sale tobacco displays, and increasing the size of the graphic health warning from 60 to 80 per cent of the principal display areas of tobacco products”.
Jamaica Embarks on Public Education Campaign
Jamaica, Dr. Tufton added, will also itself embark on a public education campaign to address these issues, support the enforcement of existing regulations, and garner support for the new legislation, Tobacco Control Bill 2020, “which will bring us into full compliance with our obligations under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, in the upcoming months”.
Conclusion
Jamaica remains committed to reducing mortality and morbidity from tobacco use and aims to leave no one behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the updated strategy?
A: The purpose of the updated strategy is to accelerate action to meet targets of Tobacco Control in the Region of the Americas.
Q: What are the key concerns for Jamaica in Tobacco Control?
A: Jamaica is concerned about the slow progress of member states in making environments completely smoke-free, the use of e-cigarettes and vaping among children, adolescents, and young adults, and the proliferation of hookah bars.
Q: What is the role of public education in Tobacco Control?
A: Public education is crucial in debunking myths around e-cigarettes and the use of hookahs, and promoting communication and public awareness of tobacco control issues and the health risks of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.
Q: What is the current state of Tobacco Control Regulations in Jamaica?
A: Jamaica’s existing Tobacco Control Regulations of 2013 reflect protection from exposure to tobacco smoke; regulation of tobacco product disclosures; and packaging and labelling of tobacco products. The country is also promulgating a new legislation which will include regulation of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.